Intelligence agency flags security risks at Sadarghat Launch Terminal

Highlights

• No checking of passengers at gates and gangways
• Engine rooms remain unprotected 
• Insufficiency of CCTV cameras
• No obstruction of carrying prohibited goods

An intelligence agency has raised concerns about security risks at Sadarghat Launch Terminal during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, given the current security climate in the country.

A report submitted to the Ministry of Shipping on 15 March highlights significant vulnerabilities at the terminal.

According to intelligence observations, there is a security risk at the entrance gate of the Sadarghat terminal that has 21 entry and exit gates and 18 gangways.

The report states that since there is no system for screening or checking passengers at these gates and gangways, the general public can enter the terminal freely. Due to the lack of checking measures, individuals with malicious intent can easily carry cocktails, bombs, or flammable substances while travelling on launches, it notes. 

There are no instructional leaflets or signboards specifying what items passengers are allowed or prohibited from carrying on launches, states the intelligence agency. Moreover, as there is no monitoring of the goods passengers bring onboard, goods are being transported in a hazardous manner, it mentions.

The intelligence agency also notes that many business establishments transport goods via launches, most of which are stored in or around the engine room. Additionally, it states, passengers' motorcycles are parked next to the engine rooms, which poses a significant risk.

The report also highlights several other risks, including the insufficiency of CCTV cameras and law enforcement personnel, the practice of boarding passengers onto launches using small boats, the excessive presence of hawkers on the terminal's pontoons, the dominance of labourers, and the lack of fire extinguishers and trained personnel capable of using them on both the terminal and launches. 

Additionally, it points out the failure to verify passengers' NID cards and mobile numbers, the shortage of life jackets and buoys in proportion to passenger capacity and the recruitment of additional staff during Eid without proper screening.

The intelligence agency observes that cooking is done on almost every launch using gas cylinders or kerosene stoves near the engine room, posing a significant fire hazard. Moreover, drug consumption and gambling take place inside the launches, creating a major security risk for passengers, it finds.

Recommendations

To address these risks, the intelligence agency puts forward several recommendations. These include strengthening security by designating separate gates for passenger entry and exit at specific times in the launch terminal, installing archways at entry gates, and deploying an adequate number of law enforcement personnel at each gate. 

Additionally, it suggests deploying extra law enforcement officers at major launch terminals and ensuring continuous patrolling.  

Other measures include recording videos of passengers while boarding, collecting their NID card details and mobile numbers, and taking their photographs. Every launch should be equipped with a sufficient number of fire extinguishers and training on their usage should be made mandatory, notes the intelligence agency. 

The report also recommends the removal of all hawkers from the terminal area and ensuring proper screening before recruiting additional staff, with photographic biodata of employees being maintained.

Additional recommendations include installing and monitoring CCTV cameras at key locations, including terminal and launch entry gates, and conducting searches on suspicious passengers. 

During Eid travel, small engine boats and dinghies should be banned from operating in the launch terminal area, suggests the report. Moreover, the transportation of motorcycles and flammable substances on launches should be strictly prohibited, it recommends.

What the ministry says

Mohammed Yousuf, senior secretary of the shipping ministry, told TBS that they have implemented all necessary security measures.

He said, "The number of law enforcement personnel has been increased, and patrolling has been intensified. However, due to the large influx of passengers entering at once during Eid, it will not be possible to conduct thorough searches on everyone. 
"Additionally, installing archways at this moment is challenging for us. Nevertheless, we are discussing this matter further."

Eid travel relatively smooth

The number of passengers on launches increased significantly yesterday. 

Alamgir Kabir, joint director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, said, "The number of passengers on launches had been increasing since 24 March. However, from Thursday afternoon, the crowd at the terminal has grown significantly. 

"Almost all launches have departed with full capacity. By tonight (Thursday), over 100 launches are expected to set off for various destinations."

This time, bus and train journeys have been relatively smooth. Until yesterday afternoon, travel remained smooth, with no significant traffic congestion or inconvenience on the roads. Due to strict security measures, train travel has also been hassle-free, with no major disruptions in schedules.

Shahadat Hossain, station manager at Kamalapur Railway Station, said special attention has been given to the station as it typically handles the highest number of homebound passengers during Eid travel. "We are committed to ensuring a safe journey for all passengers."

Md Jane Alam Rajon, manager of Desh Travels, said there is no traffic congestion or inconvenience on the roads this time. 

"The law enforcement agencies are also very active. We are able to depart all buses on time. Since passengers have purchased tickets in advance, there is no rush or hassle. It can be said that, so far, Eid travel has been smooth and comfortable," he said.

Meanwhile, a mobile court of the BRTA yesterday fined six transport companies Tk26,000 for charging excessive fares. The companies fined include Crown Paribahan, Ekta Travels, Golden Line, Royal Express, Green Line Paribahan, and Islam Paribahan.